In the ongoing battle against CO2 emissions, Renault has revealed the Z.E. Concept (’Z.E.’: Zero Emission) electric vehicle in front of its home crowd today. Based on the new Renault Kangoo be bop the Z.E. Concept is powered by a 70kW electric motor with torque of 226Nm and lithium-ion batteries.
The Z.E. Concept is designed to minimize energy consumption without sacrificing comfort-related features such as lighting, heating and climate control. The Z.E. Concept attempts to accomplish this by incorporating heat-reflective paint and insulating bodywork. As a result, temperature fluctuations which normally prompt the use of climate control or heating systems are reduced.
The bodywork functions along the same lines as a Thermos flask. It comprises two insulating panels with a sandwich of air. This air, which is still the most effective insulant known today, limits variations in temperature
between the exterior and the interior of the car. Further insulation is achieved with the use of acid green-tinted glass for the glazed areas. Also, solar panels positioned on the roof power a temperature regulation system.
CONCEPT CARS: THE FUTURE... WITH THE ACCENT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
RENAULT Z.E. CONCEPT, AN ALL-ELECTRIC CONCEPT CAR WHICH PROVIDES A
GLIMPSE OF MOBILITY IN THE FUTURE
In parallel to its new Tce and dCi engine ranges, Renault is furthering its strategy aimed at curbing CO2 emissions with the development of electric vehicles. Since the beginning of 2008, the Renault-Nissan Alliance has signed agreements with several states and regions (Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Japan’s Kanagawa prefecture, the state of Tennessee in the USA), which will lead to the mass marketing of this form of vehicle from 2011.
Z.E. Concept (’Z.E.’: Zero Emission) is Renault’s vision of the electric vehicle as an efficient, user-friendly zero-emission car. Based on the brand new Renault Kangoo be bop, Z.E. Concept features a design which has been adapted to the spirit of an electric vehicle, with the focus on minimizing energy consumption while at the same time providing core comfort features.
The energy consumption of auxiliary functions such as lighting, heating, climate control, etc. is a key factor when it comes to an electric vehicle’s range, so special attention has been paid to optimize energy management. Z.E. Concept also incorporates several interactive information features which are easy to use. Z.E. Concept is powered by a 70kW electric motor with torque of 226Nm, with lithium-ion batteries.
Energy saving management at the heart of Z.E. Concept’s design
Z.E. Concept is based on Kangoo be bop and its compact dimensions (length: 3.95m, height: 1.85m) favour manoeuvrability in and about town. This electric vehicle was designed to minimize energy consumption, without forgetting modern comfort-related refinements.
The employment of heat-reflective paint and insulating bodywork featuring large surface areas contributes to the reduction of temperature fluctuations which traditionally prompt the use of climate control or heating systems which are big consumers of energy. Insulation is further optimized by the
use of acid green-tinted glass for the glazed areas.
The bodywork functions along the same lines as a Thermos flask. It comprises two insulating panels with a sandwich of air.
This air, which is still the most effective insulant known today, limits variations in temperature between the exterior and the interior of the car.
Solar panels, positioned on the roof, power a temperature regulation system. Cooling the inside of a vehicle uses a great deal of energy, but this system permits a pleasant temperature to be maintained in the cabin, even at standstill or when parking, and avoids having to switch on the climate control when starting the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the layout of the heating and climate control functions has been thought through to produce a particularly efficient trade-off between performance and energy consumption. For example, the impression of heat is especially felt on the face and hands. Accordingly, if the cabin temperature is 15°C but warmth can be channelled as close as possible to key zones (a heated steeringwheel, for example), the driver will feel comfortable while using less electrical energy.
The conventional drag-producing exterior mirrors have been replaced by streamlined, low-energy cameras which are also powered by the roof-mounted solar panels to enhance all-round visibility, especially when manoeuvring. The low-drag full-disc aluminium alloy wheels also improve aerodynamic performance.
The headlamps use efficient, high-performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are not only long lasting but also low consumers of energy.
Optimizing energy management is consequently a key aspect of the research that has gone into the technology employed for this concept car.
An interactive, user-friendly vehicle
The Z.E. Concept concept car offers motorists and passengers a pleasant, relaxing ride and this sensation is enhanced by a number of interactive communication features. For example, logos light up to signal that the vehicle recognizes its occupants as they approach.
Z.E. Concept illustrates Renault’s vision of mobility in the future. As a socially responsible vehicle, it is equipped with polyurethane gel bumpers, for example. These deform easily to soak up minor knocks, while pedestrians are reassured by their absorbent aspect.
A linear display on the outside of the door provides a visual indication of how much range remains even before the driver gets into the vehicle. This display is redolent of a cell phone charge-indicator.
